Today’s Headlines: Discount: Tinubu Copying My Subsidy Model–Atiku; Police Officer Killed in Plateau

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu of copying his production subsidy proposal after the Federal Government announced a 30-day petrol discount. Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, Atiku criticised the ₦50 per litre discount, describing it as inadequate relief after years of rising living costs. He also called for electoral reforms, including live broadcasts of collation centres, independent audits of election technology and tougher penalties for electoral fraud.

ADC Campaign Council Chairman Kashim Ibrahim-Imam urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the 2027 elections, while National Chairman David Mark charged campaign members to engage communities nationwide. Mark said the campaign should focus on key issues affecting Nigerians, including the cost of living, poverty, security, employment, education, healthcare, inflation and good governance.

Gunmen killed a police officer while he was travelling on a motorcycle to his duty post in the Chit area of Heipang District, along the Kwi-Beco road between Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State. The attack reportedly occurred around 7pm on Thursday, with the assailants also taking away the officer’s motorcycle.

Rwang Tengwong, spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders-Association, condemned the killing and expressed concern over the safety of residents and security personnel in the affected communities. He called for urgent action to tackle insecurity, as attacks and killings continued in parts of Plateau State despite the recent imposition of curfews in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi could face difficulties campaigning in Rivers State over his remarks that only thieves would vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Wike said Rivers residents would not accept such comments and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to address what he described as inflammatory rhetoric.

Wike criticised Amaechi’s remarks as inappropriate for someone seeking national office, insisting that political campaigns should focus on policies and issues rather than personal attacks. The warning came amid concerns that the 2027 elections in Rivers State could experience violence if security agencies failed to maintain order.

Youths in Cross River State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term in the 2027 elections. The endorsement was announced during the unveiling of the Evidence Group, a youth-based political support organisation, in Ogoja Local Government Area. The group’s Director-General, Eyoma Bassey, said it would mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) across campuses, villages, wards and polling units while promoting the achievements of the federal and state governments.

The group inaugurated its Ogoja working committee and urged young people to participate actively in governance. The chapter coordinator, Jude Fingha, expressed readiness to mobilise votes for the APC at all levels, while the Director of Women Mobilisation, Precious Bessong, called on women to lead grassroots campaigns within their families and communities. The group also urged supporters to promote the party peacefully and avoid political violence and intolerance.

NewsJunkky feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com